Research

Soil electrodeposition is an electrochemical ground improvement technique that enhances soil properties by driving the migration and deposition of charged species under an applied electric field. This approach offers a promising solution for strengthening soils, controlling permeability, and stabilizing problematic ground conditions in both geotechnical and environmental applications. 

Our group advances soil electrodeposition through both fundamental studies and engineering applications, with a focus on:

• Soil chemistry and electrochemical interactions

• Sand fabric evolution and microstructural behavior

• Effects of fines on deposition mechanisms

• Temperature-dependent processes

• Seawater chemistry and marine conditions

• Applications in tunneling and ground stabilization

• Development of specialized electrodes

• Geotechnical infrastructure applications (e.g., seepage control systems, retaining structures)

• Steel–mineral composite materials development

Biopolymer-based soil treatment is an eco-friendly technique that enhances soil properties through the binding and stabilizing effects of naturally derived polymers. It offers a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical stabilizers by improving soil strength, reducing permeability, and minimizing environmental impact. 

We advances BPST through integrated fundamental research and engineering applications, with a focus on: 

• Biopolymer–soil interaction mechanisms

• Effects of soil type and mineralogy 

• Influence of fines content and distribution 

• Durability under environmental conditions (e.g., moisture, temperature) 

• Performance in marine and saline environments 

• Field applications in ground stabilization and erosion control 

• Development of tailored biopolymer formulations 

• Applications in geotechnical infrastructure (e.g., seepage control systems, retaining structures) 

• Bio-mediated and hybrid material systems

We utilizes the state-of-the-art analytical techniques to investigate soil structure, composition, and behavior at micro- to nano-scales, enabling a fundamental understanding of particle interactions and governing mechanisms. Techniques such as SEM/EDX, XRD, micro-CT, and spectroscopy allow detailed analysis of mineralogy, fabric, bonding, and chemo-mechanical processes that control macroscopic soil performance. 

We advance microscale characterization through integrated experimental and analytical approaches, with a focus on:

• High-resolution imaging of soil fabric and particle-scale structures

• Mineralogical and chemical analysis (e.g., XRD, SEM-EDX, spectroscopy)

• 3D microstructural characterization (e.g., micro-CT, FIB-SEM)

• Investigation of inter-particle bonding and electrochemical processes

• Coupled chemo–hydro–mechanical behavior at the microscale

• In situ and multi-scale characterization techniques

• Linking microscale mechanisms to macroscopic engineering performance

• Data-driven and AI-assisted microstructural analysis

We explores and develops future technologies for next-generation infrastructure, focusing on the integration of energy systems, advanced construction, and intelligent monitoring. We aim to pioneer sustainable, resilient, and high-performance solutions by combining geotechnical engineering with emerging interdisciplinary innovations. 

Key research directions include:

• Carbon-based soil supercapacitors for underground energy storage and renewable energy integration

• Bio-mediated and 3D-printed soil systems for sustainable and low-carbon construction

• Advanced sensing and non-destructive testing technologies for real-time subsurface monitoring

• Smart and multifunctional geomaterials for energy, environmental, and structural applications

• Integrated systems linking ground behavior with energy storage, construction, and infrastructure performance

• Scalable and field-deployable technologies for next-generation geotechnical infrastructure